Institute for Biblical & Scientific Studies

Homeschool:
Archaeology

Archaeology means the study of ancient times. It is the systematic recovery
of material evidence of manís past. Archaeology is usually a subdivision
of Anthropology, the study of man. In Geology the most recent geological
period is the Quaternary (Age of Man) which is divided into the Pleistocene
and Holocene which continues until today. For a good introduction to Archaeology
read Invitation to Archaeology by James Deetz. Archaeology has divided
the Quaternary period up into ages that reflect the production of different
tools.

Paleolithic - Old Stone Age

The oldest is the Paleolithic age which stretches back into the Pleistocene
to almost 2 million years ago with the first crude tools. Paleo means "old"
and lithic means "stone." Here man made tools, like spears and
arrow heads, out of stones. Men were hunters and gatherers. Archaeologists
divide the Paleolithic into the lower, middle, and upper periods. The Lower
Paleolithic is from about 2 million years ago to about 80,000 BC. The Middle
Paleolithic is from 80,000 to 35,000 BC. The Upper Paleolithic is from 35,000
to 10,000 BC where the Holocene epoch starts in geology. During the Paleolithic
there are four major glacial advances and retreats.

Mesolithic - Middle Stone Age

Next is the Mesolithic meaning "middle stone" age. This age is
about 9,000 BC to 7,000 BC. During this time there is the domestication
of animals and crops of wheat and barley.

Neolithic - New Stone Age

Then there is the Neolithic meaning "new stone" age from 7,000
to 6,000 BC. This age marks the beginning of permanent settlements.

Chalcolithic - Copper Stone Age

Then there is the Chalcolithic meaning "copper stone" age. This
marks the beginning use of copper. In Mesopotamia "middle of the rivers"
(the land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers) there is the beginning
of temples and irrigation, with the Ubaid culture.

Bronze Age

In Palestine the next age is the Bronze Age which is divided up into Early
Bronze Age from about 3200 to 2200 BC, the Middle Bronze Age from 2100 to
1500 BC, and then the Late Bronze Age from 1500 to 1200 BC.

Iron Age

Next is the Iron Age starting around 1200 BC. History begins with the start
of writing about 3200 BC. Let us turn to the oldest civilization, the Sumerians.
This continues on the next web page on the history of the Sumerians.